Citizens ask BBMP to save Bengaluru’s heritage markets

BBMP decided to redevelop 18 markets in Bengaluru. This is an appeal by citizens to BBMP to preserve the heritage markets by doing the required refurbishing, not redevelop them.

Inside Johnson market. Pic: Mansoor Ali

The BBMP proposes to demolish 18 old, traditional markets and replace them with malls. Most of the markets they plan to destroy are more than 60 years old, and some, like Johnson Market, are much, much older.  

We believe the government must consider the heritage value of these markets before deciding to replace them with malls. Instead of thoughtlessly destroying them, the BBMP could easily involve urban, conservation and heritage experts such as INTACH to help revitalise these markets.  

INTACH, together with like-minded people, has launched a campaign to save these structures and also promote awareness about their importance in the cityscape. The following weeks will see quite a few activities, such as heritage walks, photowalks, workshops, and so on. We hope you will continue to give us your unstinted support to make these activities successful.
 
We also need your support to let the government know that you care about heritage. Please do take a moment to sign this petition:http://goo.gl/HJnkqX 
 

List of markets facing the axe

Market name Area (in sq ft) Number of shops Approx. age of building
Johnson Market                40,608 100 100
Austin Town                  8,664 37 50
Dry fish market                  3,106 20 60
Bandimoot Road market                      600 5 60
Moore Road market                11,085 27 50
Richard Street market                 30,726 60 60
Murphy Town market                13,246 27 60
Halasuru market                  8,395 96 80
Darjipete market                      800 8 80
Ballapur market                  4,000 53 80
Srirampuram market                10,000 21 60
Akkipete market                  9,501 90 60
Magadi Road market                14,461 23 60
Balepete market                  1,000 1 60
SKR mutton market                34,292 182 20
Cubbonpete market                20,000 59 80
Sirsi Circle market                  4,175 8 80
Chikkamavalli market                  8,000 42 80

 

Cubbonpete market. Pic: Mansoor Ali

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